In a recent analyst relations (AR) survey that we sponsored, one of the key findings was that AR salaries have increased significantly over the past 10 years — proving the value that organizations find in AR. And with employment opportunities for industry analysts on the rise, it’s safe to assume that there will be growth in the AR field going forward, as well — as a strategic means for companies to “influence the influencers” and drive positive business outcomes. 

Research has shown that between 50 to 80% of jobs are filled through networking. Joining an analyst relations professional group can impact job prospects and advancement, as well as provide key insights and on-the-job resources. 

During our most recent client “Open Session” — an unrecorded forum where AR pros have the floor to ask questions of each other, share strategies and dish on all things AR — a conversation ensued on various analyst relations professional groups and the value they can provide, especially to AR pros just starting out in the field.  

If you’re interested in being a part of these groups, or simply learning more, here are 6 analyst relations communities and resources to be aware of:

1. ARInsights’ Open Sessions

We started our virtual Open Sessions last year, as a means to connect live with other AR pros about challenges and changes in their roles, given the large shifts and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. (With in-person events canceled and work shifting to a work-from-home model, the quarterly sessions provided an opportunity for AR practitioners to still “see” and connect with each other.) The sessions have grown to become open discussions for the AR community to join together and discuss trending topics, meet new contacts and share stories. Our next Open Session will be a part of this year’s ARchitect User Forum (Dec. 7-8), and we’ll resume the sessions next year too.  

2. Association of Analyst Relations Professionals

The Association of Analyst Relations Professionals is a LinkedIn group that allows members to ask questions, tackle challenges, discuss trending topics, share tips and post jobs. You do need permission to be granted access (click “request to join”). If you are looking to get better connected with AR pros via LinkedIn, this may be a good opportunity. 

3. Forrester’s AR Council

The Forrester AR Council connects AR professionals with peers to discuss challenges and navigate trends in AR. The council provides a dedicated advisor, member meetings, a knowledge library and an AR job board. Two interesting pluses to membership are access to the Forrester Market Insights service and Inquiry Advantage (a searchable database of questions asked of Forrester analysts). 

4. IIAR>

The Institute of Influencer & Analyst Relations (IIAR>) is a non-profit professional organization for analyst relations, offering a wide range of resources including webinars, white papers, reports and events. The purpose of this organization is to elevate awareness of the practice of AR globally and drive visibility into the field and its importance. The IIAR> also has a knowledge library with a wide range of content, and holds meetings and events every month.  

5. KCG

The Knowledge Capital Group (KCG) hosts multiple AR-focused events and provides AR training and certification, private group conversations, and a content library with white papers, webinars and more. Its largest AR event is KCG Connects, which is hosted annually in the spring and provides an opportunity to network and learn best practices. KCG also provides subscription-based advisory services, research and consulting.

6. Women in Analyst Relations

The goal of Women in AR is to inspire, advocate, support and empower women in the AR space at any level, including analysts. This group has a focus on addressing the unique challenges women face and helping women advance in the field. The Women in AR group is active on LinkedIn; you can request to join.

If you’re looking for additional resources to aid in your AR career, we hope you’ll join us at this year’s virtual ARchitect User Forum, Dec. 7-8, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT each day. The event is an opportunity to network with other AR practitioners across the globe, learn new AR strategies, listen to real-world success stories and share ideas. We hope you’ll register to attend!